Hyderabad Heroes Top Rugby Premier League Group Stage

RPL: Hyderabad Heroes end group stage on top of the table

Hyderabad, June 27

Hyderabad Heroes, ending the group stage on top of the table, set up a Semi Final clash with Chennai Bulls, while Bengaluru Bravehearts will face Mumbai Dreamers in the second semi-final on Sunday.

Hyderabad Heroes beat Kolkata Banga Tigers 28-0

The Heroes imposed themselves from the outset with high-tempo attack and quick ball movement, stretching the Tigers' defence across the field. Sumit Roy opened the scoring within minutes before Ravuama Seruvakula sold a clever dummy on the left wing to double Hyderabad's advantage.

Their crisp passing and ability to exploit space continued to trouble Kolkata in the second quarter, with Kevin Wekesa breaking through after sustained pressure to add another try. Maurice Longbottom kept the momentum going early in the third quarter, while Hyderabad's disciplined defensive line denied the Tigers any meaningful opportunities, completing a dominant shutout performance.

Mumbai Dreamers win against Chennai Bulls 19-12

The Dreamers seized control early with aggressive defence and sharp attacking transitions, putting the Bulls under pressure from the opening exchanges. Prince Khatri and James Turner crossed over in the first quarter to establish an early advantage before Sebastiaan Jobb sprinted down the right wing to extend the lead after the restart.

Chennai gradually found their rhythm through improved possession, with Hidayat Jerffrydin breaking through on the right to get them on the board. Marcus Kershaw then finished a swift move down the left wing to narrow the gap, but Mumbai remained composed in the closing stages, denying the Bulls any clear scoring opportunities to seal the victory.

Delhi Redz register 35-33 upset over Bengaluru Bravehearts

The Bravehearts made a flying start as Kitiona Vai raced away to score within seconds, but Delhi responded by spreading the ball wide, allowing Samuel Asati to finish a well-worked move. Akuila Rokolisoa restored Bengaluru's advantage with a blistering run before Vai added his second after a slick passing move in the second quarter.

Javed Hussain kept the Redz within touching distance by mirroring Bengaluru's attacking pattern, but Shilton Wyk's clever kick-and-chase and Rokolisoa's second try put the Bravehearts firmly in control.

Trailing by 12 points entering the final quarter, Delhi mounted a spirited comeback. Gonzalez ignited the fightback from the left wing before Josep Serres narrowed the gap with another finish out wide. Jon Okeyo then capitalised on a turnover to score on the counterattack, with Deepak Punia holding his nerve to convert the decisive try and complete a dramatic victory.

— IANS